Fathers-to-be get advice at Parma Medical Center's Boot Camp for New Dads

PARMA, Ohio – A group of men gathered in a conference room
at Parma Medical Center one night recently to discuss the biggest single event
in their lives: impending fatherhood.

Within a few months, each will welcome a new family member.

"This course is for guys without kids," said instructor
Jason Streichert of Parma. The father of a 21/2-year-old son, he was sharing the wisdom
gleaned from his experience.

Streichert guided his students through the pregnancy,
delivery, postpartum and development of their children. The first topic was
their wives' expectations.

"It's all about teamwork, having patience and understanding,"
he said. "Getting up in the middle of the night with the baby is a big deal. My
baby woke up every hour and a half for the first few weeks. It was a big shock.
Mom will be tired from the delivery, so your help and teamwork will be very
helpful."

Streichert said being a father means being a protector.

"Things will be different and you'll have to adjust," he
said, advising the students to be proactive. "If you see the baby needs
changing or feeding, do it. That one-on-one bonding time with the baby is
important. And don't forget about your wife after delivery. Everyone always
asks about the baby."

The first place you learn to be a dad is from your dad,
Streichert said.

"Take the manual (given to each participant in the class)
and write what kind of a dad you want to be in the back on one of the blank
pages. Then, on the baby's first birthday, see if you did that," he said.

One class member asked what the biggest surprise was after
the baby's birth.

"Lots of people coming over. It's like having a celebrity in
the house," Streichert said. "My advice is to get a schedule. And don't be shy
about asking for help."

Streichert said he had no experience with infants before his
child was born.

"I'd never held a baby. But don't be afraid. They're pretty
flexible," he quipped.

He suggested the students tour the hospital where they will
deliver their babies. Deciding who should be in the delivery room is another
important decision.

"What do you do for the hours your wife is in labor?" asked
Ben DeVilling of Broadview Heights. "Can you leave the room? Did they let you
keep your cell phone?"

Streichert explained that yes, you can leave the room, and
yes, you can keep your cell phone. He also advised that the students take in
the experience.

"It's very special," he said. "And remember to focus on your
wife. Does she need anything? Be observant. This is when you start looking out
for your family."

He told the class how after the birth, the baby is cleaned,
weighed, measured and checked by medical personnel, "but you can hold him." And
if the doctor doesn't ask if the dad wants to cut the cord, "Don't be shy about
asking," he said, adding that the cord will dry up and fall off in a few days.

Ted Brzic of Avon asked about sleeping arrangements for dads
in the hospital.

Streichert said there was a recliner in the room.

"Was there anything you forgot?" asked Mike Knezevic of
Independence.

Since labor is unpredictable and can last a long time,
Streichert said he wished he'd brought more entertainment-type things.

Jaundice is a common condition for newborns, but Streichert
said it can be scary.

"The baby literally turns yellow from the feet to the head.
They put him under a special light for an hour or so a day and have you put the
baby near a sunny window, if possible. Then the jaundice goes away."

He also offered some words of warning.

"Babies cry. Eventually, you'll be able to pick up on their
needs by the type of cry – hungry, wet, tired, wanting to be held. But if you
go through the list and can't soothe the baby, don't ever shake him. A baby's
brain will bounce back and forth in his head and it can cause permanent damage,"
Streichert said, "If he won't stop crying, put him back in the crib and walk
away for a little while. Take some deep breaths, walk outside, and just take a
break. It will happen one day; you just won't be able to soothe the baby. That's
why it's important to just take a break. Hit the reset button," he advised.

Streichert illustrated what can happen if you shake a baby
by shaking an egg in a hard container. After a couple of shakes, the egg
cracked.

"Remember the four 's' ways to calm a baby: sssh! because it
reminds them of the sounds they hear in utero, swinging/rocking, sucking
(pacifier or eating) and swaddling."

"How often do you need to change the baby?" asked Knezevic.

Streichert said about every two hours at first, generally
with feedings. He offered advice on how to clean the baby at changing time,
also.

"If I can change a baby, anyone can. Diapers are dad proof.
A baby was never harmed by having a diaper put on backwards," he quipped.

"Buy diapers – lots of diapers – in different sizes. And try
different kinds, because the baby might react to one brand," he said.

Preparing for a baby can be an expensive experience. Streichert
recommended watching for sales, special discounts and other perks for new
parents. And don't forget resale stores or sales.

He said most new parents will be given a baby shower. He
suggests having a diaper party, too.

"Get some snacks, invite some buddies over to watch sports
and have them bring diapers," he said.

Streichert discussed the importance of supporting the baby's
head since the neck muscles take time to develop. Letting the baby have "tummy
time," laying the infant on his stomach on the floor for a short time every day
or two, will help the muscles develop, he said.

Selecting and properly installing a car seat is important.
He said some hospitals or fire stations will check the installation for you. Parents
using car seats that snap into a base might want to check a resale store for a
second base to keep in the other car or for a sitter or grandparent.

Several weeks before the due date, he advised packing one or
more hospital bags with any items you want to take to the hospital for mom,
baby and yourself. And he advised getting at least one diaper bag ready with
wipes, diapers, extra baby clothes, a few toys, formula, etc. And don't forget
to choose a name for the birth certificate.

As for selecting a pediatrician, he recommended asking lots
of questions about procedures and policies for shots, antibiotics, etc.

"Think of it as a job interview for someone to take care of
your child," Streichert said. And choosing daycare should be a similar
experience with lots of questions.

As the baby gets older, he suggested using the development
chart as a guide, but cautioned the students not to worry if their child doesn't
hit all the benchmarks as indicated.

"My son was late to walk, but he did other things early," he
said.

The toughest thing about this whole process is not knowing
when the baby will come. My son was due July 4 and was born on June 25. Just be
ready," Streichert said.

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